it will do for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will do for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is sufficient or acceptable for a particular purpose or situation. Example: "I don't need anything fancy for dinner; a simple salad will do for tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The key issue for Spain is what it will do for its dole queues.

Independent

Perhaps it will do for its writer, Mark Grimmer, what A Very Peculiar Practice, set in a university medical centre, did for a fresh-faced Andrew Davies back in the 1980s.

Independent

Bactrack recommends annual recalibration of its more expensive models, which it will do for $19.95, including prepaid return shipping.

The New York Times - Tech

It will do for now.

The New York Times

It's no league title, but it will do for now.

The Guardian - Sport

It will do for peaches what Delia did for cranberries.

The Guardian - Film

What it will do for Christie is not yet known.

The Guardian

It's not exactly climbing into the crow's nest, but it will do for now.

The New York Times

Is the water in this bottle really filtered so it will do for washing the vegetables?

The New York Times

What it will do for non-Western books is less clear.

The New Yorker

"It will do for kids with disabilities what Title IX did for women.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will do for" when you want to express that something, although not perfect, is sufficient or adequate for a particular situation. It is useful when acknowledging limitations while still affirming usability.

Common error

While "it will do for" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "it will suffice" or "it is adequate" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will do for" functions as a predicative expression indicating sufficiency or adequacy. Ludwig's examples show that it's used to convey that something meets a basic requirement, though perhaps not ideally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it will do for" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is sufficient or adequate for a given purpose, even if it's not the best possible option. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English and is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While it's appropriate for many situations, formal settings may benefit from more sophisticated alternatives such as "it will suffice for" or "it is adequate for". This ensures that your writing is both clear and contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will suffice for

Emphasizes adequacy and meeting a requirement, often in a more formal context.

it will be adequate for

Highlights that something is good enough or satisfactory for a specific need.

it will be enough for

Focuses on meeting a minimum requirement or quantity.

it will serve the purpose of

Highlights the function that something will fulfill.

it will answer the need for

Stresses addressing a specific requirement or problem.

it will be suitable for

Indicates appropriateness and fitness for a specific use or situation.

it will be fit for

Implies being in the right condition or state for a purpose.

it will pass muster for

Suggests meeting a certain standard or expectation, often in a critical context.

it will hold good for

Focuses on validity and remaining effective over a period or range.

it will meet the requirements of

Emphasizes compliance with specified standards or criteria.

FAQs

How can I use "it will do for" in a sentence?

You can use "it will do for" to express that something is sufficient for a specific purpose, even if it's not ideal. For example: "This old blanket isn't the warmest, but "it will do for" tonight".

What's a more formal alternative to "it will do for"?

If you need a more formal option, consider using "it will suffice for" or "it is adequate for". These phrases convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is "it will do for" appropriate for business communication?

While understandable, "it will do for" might sound too casual for some business contexts. In professional settings, using phrases like "it will be sufficient for" or "it meets the requirements of" can project a more polished image.

What does "it will do for" imply about the quality of something?

"It will do for" usually suggests that something is not the best option but is good enough to meet the immediate need. It acknowledges a degree of compromise, implying the item or action is functional but not exceptional.